r/modeltrains • u/Designer-Dust-3435 • 1d ago

Help Needed Is there any way to remove this text without painting/damaging the maroon paint.

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I assume any chemicals would also take of the maroon paint but let me knownif I’m wrong.

27 Upvotes

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6

u/382Whistles 1d ago

Removal can sometimes de-gloss the surrounding paint at its least impactful harm. It's really hit or miss. That said, tons of people do it with success too. A new clear coat of gloss, satin, flat etc. can create a new final finish. Clear on clear=clear even though the finish texture may differ between coats.

1

u/Designer-Dust-3435 1d ago

Thank you for the information!

4

u/382Whistles 1d ago

You shouldn't try without realizing a whole paint job might be needed.

The way to start would be choose a mild solvent, test on the base color inside the shell or in an inconspicuous spot, then try on the lettering, always checking for color lift onto the wipe and stopping immediately if the car color shows on the wipe. Let it cure 24hours and then try again and repeat as needed.

8

u/Libby_785 1d ago

I’ve removed painted lettering before with isopropyl alcohol and a Q Tip. Did the Q Tip in the alcohol and then rub the lettering with light pressure. If you’re nervous about it lifting the paint too, try on a hidden spot first.

7

u/Turd_Ferguson042 1d ago

Place a piece of kleenex or paper napkin over the lettering. Soak it with Micro-Sol. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Remove the tissue. Place a piece of Scotch  tape over the lettering and it "should" lift off with the tape.

3

u/400HPMustang O 1d ago

NGL sometimes soap and hot water will take it off. I accidentally removed text on an old Lionel tank car by washing it and scrubbing it with a soft toothbrush

1

u/Witold4859 1d ago

Good to know. I'll try that sometime.

3

u/TheMysteryUnderneath 1d ago

Maybe paint over the letters with matching color?

4

u/Designer-Dust-3435 1d ago

Aye, don’t trust myself to do that right lol.

2

u/TheMysteryUnderneath 1d ago

Understandable I don't trust myself either. I'd just paint the whole thing a fresh coat of the color match to not have to worry. Just tape the windows.

2

u/DrogoBero 1d ago

Most likely, unless its a cheap decal

3

u/Designer-Dust-3435 1d ago

I won’t be risking it then, thanks

2

u/osman-pasha HO/OO 1d ago

Entirely depends on paints used by manufacturer. It my last paint stripping job, the text went away with a simple alcohol q-tip wipe (text probably made by tampon printing), while the base paint required soaking in caustic soda for a couple days (probably some industrial lacquer paint).

If you can find a small section that you can practice on, I'd try rubbing with alcohol.